Connector rfi seal spring



Feb. 4, 1969 I w, TEMPLETON 3,426,140

CONNECTOR RFI SEAL SPRING Filed Nov. 10, 1966 Fig 4 IN VEN TOR. LESLIE W. TEMPLETON BYW ATTORNEY.

' P 3,426,140 O Patented Feb. 4, 1969 3 426,140 f0.015 inch CONNECTOR RFI SEAL SPRING Leslie W. Templeton, Richardson, Tex., assignor to Collins Radio Company, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a corporation of Iowa Filed Nov. 10, 1966, Ser. No. 593,369 US. Cl. 174-35 Int. Cl. H05k 9/00; B21d 53/00, 53/04 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention comprises a radio frequency interference seal spring which can be inserted in a groove about a plate and against which a cover fits to provide a seal.

This invention relates in general to a radio frequency interference seal spring and in particular to a formed insert of spring strip stock which may be inserted in a groove about the periphery of a plate against which a cover fits to provide'a radio frequency interference shield.

The object of this invention is to provide a good radio frequency interference seal for an electronic unit between a cover case and a plate such that when the cover and plate are connected together a good radio frequency seal is accomplished and there is no bulging of the cover.

Another object is to provide a radio frequency interference seal which is mounted inplace in a groove which includes retaining triangular projections each with a stamped-out triangular opening to insure a substantially constant deformation rate.

Another object is to provide an improved radio frequency interference seal.

A feature of this invention is found in the provision for a strip of formed spring stock which is insertable in a groove so as to provide a radio frequency interference shield.

Further objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description and claims when read in view of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the radio frequency interference seal spring of this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the seal spring before it is bent into shape for inserting into a groove;

FIGURE 3 discloses the radio frequency interference seal of this invention in place in a groove; and

FIGURE 4 illustrates the spring seal of this invention in place in a groove.

FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate a portion of the radio frequency shield spring of this invention designated generally as 10. FIGURE 2 illustrates the spring before bending as occurred and FIGURE 1 illustrates the spring after bending has occurred. The spring 10 has a center longitudinal portion 11 with generally triangular shaped tabs 12 mounted along the edge 13 and spaced from each other by a distance. Second generally isosceles triangular tabs 14 are attached to the other edge 16 of strip 10. Tabs 14 are aligned with tabs 12. Openings 17 of triangular shape are formed in the tabs 14 to provide a substantially constant spring deformation rate as the tabs are bent for insertion and use.

As best shown in FIGURE 2, the dimensions of the spring 10 and various tabs for a particular spring seal which has been manufactured and used are:

a-0.250 inch b0.020 inch c0.070 inch d-0.113 inch e-0.050 inch Angle a-SS degrees Angle fi-60 degrees Thickness of material0.0025 inch beryllium copper.

Form and heat.

Treat for two hours at 700 degrees Fahrenheit to 120,000

p.s.i. tensile (minimum).

The radio frequency seal spring 10 after being formed and heat treated is mounted in a groove in a base upon which a cover is to be placed. FIGURES 3 and 4 illustrate the seal spring in place. A base member 18 is formed with a groove 19 which passes about its periphery and the seal spring 10 is forced into the groove 19 with a suitable mounting tool. Once the spring 10 has been inserted into the groove 19, the edge 21 of the triangular tabs 17 engage the sides 22 of the groove to lock the seal spring into the groove. The tabs 12 are bent at an angle to the groove so that they engage the sides 24 and 26 of a cover member designated generally as 27. Guide members 28 and 29 are also attached to the base member 18 and the sides 24 and 26 of the cover member fit over them and abut against the spring seal 10'. It is to be realized that the groove 19 is formed about the periphery of the base member 18 and the cover member engages the spring seal tabs 12 all the way around the periphery.

FIGURE 4 illustrates a cover member 31 with sides 32 and 33 which are broader than the cover member of FIGURE 2 and the base 18 has a formed extension plate 34 which joins the member 18 with a plastic seal 36 mounted in groove 19 beneath the extension 34. The extension member 34 is formed with a groove 38 in which a seal spring 10 is mounted and a lip 39 extends beyond groove 38 to limit position the end 41 of the side 33. The end 42 of side 32 engages the spring 10 as in FIGURE 3.

It is seen that this invention provides a radio frequency shell-to-shell seal spring and although it has been described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, it is not to be so limited, as changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A radio frequency interference seal comprising a strip of spring stock of electrically conducting material formed with generally triangularly shaped tabs on either side thereof with first triangularly shaped tabs on one side of the strip extending further from the strip than second tabs on the other side of the strip; wherein the first tabs are narrower than the second tabs; and openings are formed in the second tabs to provide a uniform spring rate as the second tabs are deflected.

2. The radio frequency seal of claim 1 wherein said openings are triangularly shaped.

3. The radio frequency seal of claim 2 wherein the spring stock is made of beryllium copper.

4. The radio frequency seal of claim 2 wherein the radio interference seal is U shaped in cross section to be received in a groove about the periphery of a base member and with dimensions such that said first tabs extend out of said groove to engage a cover member placed on said base member and provide a radio frequency interference seal between the cover and the base.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,811,705 10/1957 Schumacher. 

